The Denver Broncos need wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to be more than a vertical decoy against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Locked On Broncos host Cody Roark and co-host Sayre Bedinger made Waddle the offense’s defining X-factor, arguing Denver must manufacture opportunities for Bo Nix to get its newest playmaker involved early and often.
Denver acquired Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in March for first- and third-round picks while exchanging fourth-round selections, a price that raised the expectation that he would change the passing game. Bedinger said the offense should give Waddle about eight targets per game, particularly when opponents are using two-high safety looks to discourage explosive throws.
That approach does not mean repeatedly forcing deep shots into double coverage. Bedinger’s proposed answer is to involve running back RJ Harvey on quick throws and in space, forcing defenders to account for a second explosive option. If those touches pull a safety or linebacker toward the box, Waddle could find the one-on-one opportunities Denver has lacked downfield.
Roark also tied the plan to the rushing attack. A productive ground game would make the 49ers respect play-action and reduce the freedom of their safeties to stay deep over Waddle. The Broncos have not consistently created that balance through three games, leaving Nix to operate in more predictable passing situations.
Waddle’s role matters because the matchup is not simply about proving Nix can throw deep. It is about giving the quarterback a reliable answer when San Francisco takes away the first explosive look.
Nix and Waddle will have an opportunity to test whether Denver can dictate coverage rather than react to it. A featured role for Waddle, paired with a more credible run threat, would give the Broncos a clearer offensive formula in Santa Clara.
Broncos News and Notes
– Running back J.K. Dobbins remains central to the push for a steadier rushing attack. Roark and Bedinger argued that Denver’s frequent down-by-down substitutions have made it harder for Dobbins to establish rhythm and have contributed to predictable down-and-distance situations.
– Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto and defensive end Zach Allen carry a major defensive assignment against 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. The hosts emphasized that Denver must pressure Purdy without opening escape lanes that allow him to extend drives with his legs.
